The Living Learning Program implemented at the Residence Hall and Residence Suites in 2003 has proven
itself as a very successful support method for enhancing the probability of academic success for
students pursuing a medical degree at St. Matthew’s University. This living learning environment program
strictly adheres to the same ethical and behavioral standards expected of future physicians set by
St. Matthew’s University policies and the student handbook. A prime example of the success of the
RH/RS living learning environment is that students who lived in the RH/RS environment for three or more
semesters had a greater tendency to achieve academically.

The University of Iowa has determined that through emphasis on the
living learning environment it has
improved freshman retention by eight percent. Other studies would imply that this percentage is improved
with professional and graduate student living learning environments.

New studies of student living and learning environments and achievement
practices practiced at various
U.S. Universities further underscores
the importance and viability of the RH/RSLiving Learning Program.
The RH/RS Living Learning Program predates many of the now newly touted examples pointing to more
successful student academic achievement. In addition, increased governmental and societal pressures on
pass
ratios and student achievement are bringing new levels of pressure on
measured success rates.
With constantly changing educational patterns
the very successful Living Learning Program of RH/RS
has undergone a major self study to document program strengths with a
view toward identifying potentially
relevant academic success enhancing
improvements.

The RH/RSLiving Learning Program already encompasses, provides and carefully monitors the following
areas proven by experience and practice to be significantly
academically enhancing for a successful living
learning environment:

Quiet hour observance for week days and exam period weekends beginning at 10 PM
monitored by peer students elected to RH and RS councils.

Special occasion buffets and party events are provided for student residents.

The RH/RS manager is provided for other campus housing needs and coordination for
students
necessitating alternative housing arrangements.

The RH and RS provide available inexpensive accommodations for parents and relatives
visiting student residents.

The RH/RS management conducts continuous verbal surveys and periodic written questionnaire
surveys to assure continuous quality control of the living learning environment and to make
service and facility changes on an on-going basis.

Negotiated discounts from vendors and merchants for student residents.

RH & RS collection policy benevolently works with every student
individually who encounter
financial difficulties to tailor payment
plans that fit their circumstances and thus reduce personal
stress to
enable them to better concentrate on their studies.

New enhancements for the Living Learning Environment
The most recent survey conducted indicated that the following
improvements would be potentially
beneficial in this already high
qualitative living learning environment.
As the result, the following
are being implemented:

New larger capacity refrigerator/freezer units are being installed in the RH rooms.

Air conditioner units are being upgraded as required.

The RS has invested in the hardware and software for 10 apartment units to
provide
residents with the option of controlling their own electric and
water costs.

RH residents continuing on to the next semester will no longer need to
vacate their rooms
during semester breaks and vacation periods.

Student tutors are encouraged where appropriate to live in the living learning environment.

Additional housing grants are being provided for students who commit to live in the RH or RS living learning environment for three semesters. Based on the experience of other living learning
environment outcomes it would be anticipated that the academic success rate of those students electing
this program would be somewhat to
considerably better than the whole of the student group.